Ogmore-by-Sea and St Brides Major
A storied, constantly engaging trail, the imposing silhouette of Ogmore Castle marks the centuries of history just waiting to be discovered throughout the Vale of Glamorgan, whilst the landscape provides a refuge for Britain’s most endangered butterfly.
When visiting Ogmore-by-the-Sea, you can’t miss the castle. Dominant above the River Ogmore, it dates from the 12th century, when it was built to protect Glamorgan from the Welsh resistance in the West.
A curious fusion of earthworks and its impressive stone curtain wall, it is a rare example of later works on the castle not erasing what had been built before. There is even a ditch around the inner ward, intended as a tidal moat which would fill up at high tide; a cunning means to turn the environment into another form of defence. With free entry, why not wander in and soak up the history of this fantastic ruin?
The nearby village of St Brides proves another attraction to the region. Although small, the village doesn’t lack for history, and St Bridget’s church has retained its 12th century chancel and arch, imbuing the church with a real sense of its age and significance.
Old Castle Down, the hill above the village, is important for its range of soils and vegetation types. Seed Beetles, Leaf Beetles and Leafhoppers have been recorded in the area due to the presence of common rock-rose, which they depend upon.
This bracken dominated habitat supports the endangered High Brown Fritillary Butterfly. The butterflies breed at the site due to the presence of common Dog Violet which is the caterpillar’s food plant. The large, brightly coloured butterfly is Britain’s most endangered butterfly species.